I wanted to do a slightly more in depth video on why mechanics are leaving the automotive industry in 2022. This video inspired me • Why Mechanics Are Quit...
Not even specialty and master techs with all kinds of certs make $50/hr lol. Technician pay is ALOT lower than that in case you didn't know. The level of disrespect for technicians as professionals is just un real. The constant struggle of earning an honest living on the flat rate pay system is a huge factor in why techs are leaving. It's at the point where the cost of doing business is ones mental sanity.
I've been a mechanic for decades now. It's gotten truly terrible over the last ten years. I advise young guys to stay away the industry. I make pretty good money only because I'm independent, have sort of a niche in the industry and charge strictly by the hour. Ignore all that book rate/flat rate bs. But even then, the business is still really beginning to suck. And if you're still bent on being in the trades, go into one with a strong union like the elevators techs or the electricians. The car dealers and manufacturers broke the mechanics' unions long ago.
You go to a doctor and they charge you regardless but you are diagnosing a car with a weird problem. That you never seen before and the customer expects you to fix the car right away. For cheap and fast
Entry level tech making $20 $25 a hour....where? Over here in ny they starting techs at $14-$16 an hour. I wish they start off at $20-$25 an hour to be an express tech.
@@unyen3288 yea I was really bummed out when they said $14 an hour. My response was hilarious I said "you know I'm applying to be a auto tech right?" He was like I know it starts at $14 an hour. I was like bro I'm already making $20 am hour working at cintas the uniform company basically doing nothing just washing clothes. You think ima give up $20 an hour for $14 am hour as a auto tech...AND I GOTTA ALSO PAY FOR TOOLS!!!! I told him sorry but taking this job would be a dumb move for me. How are people working harder and getting paid nothing. This industry FUCKING SUCKS you literally make more money working in McDonald's. Unbelievable.
@@da9ej1eg99 Hahahaha that is hilarious. Its so strange that they expect to pay the techs so little for something a lot of normal people don't want to do and does take skill and knowledge to be able to do. Maybe theres not money in this industry anymore and in 5-10 years people are going to go EV and we'll need software techs to fix them.
@@da9ej1eg99 - obviously it would be silly to change jobs to for a lower salary, but the bigger question is will an auto tech salary increase enough to make the low salary worthwhile. If after five years you make over $100k salary then that seems fair to have a ridiculously low salary for the first couple years. I have no idea if experienced auto techs are making over $100k salary (plus normal benefits like vacation/sick/health insurance).
Why I left the auto trade years ago, Heavy duty pays far more than any luxury car Flat rate is bullshit Dealers treat people like shit Tools are supplied by employer
I had no idea heavy duty pays that much more. Though working on luxury vehicles we got to learn about the tech built into them and drive these insane cars we normally couldn't afford. How difficult was the transition to heavy duty though?
I currently work as a lube tech at Subaru and you literally pinpointed all the problems that I'm facing right now. I've been more stressed out than I ever was before becoming a lube tech and I hate it. All the flat rate techs say the same thing about the management and work load. Most of them literally just shit work and no hours. Even though I'm just a lube tech, my advisor's constantly pulling me off of working on oil changes JUST to fill some customers' tire with air when we have literally 4 valet drivers sitting around mindless. I get $16/hour for shit ton of work as a lube tech. Currently looking for a new job that pays the same or more with less stress on my mind and body. Smhh
Thats pretty terrible of your advisor to pull you off to do that. When working at the dealership we trained our valets to do basic tasks like filling up washer fluid and adjusting tire pressures and if they couldn't the advisors could personally take care of it. Maybe something to suggest to management?
@@unyen3288 I could suggest to management but they’re the type of people who point out all the bad things you did and couldn’t careless of all the good things you’ve done. Regardless, I’m leaving that hell hole hopefully soon, they’re always short staffed cause no one wants to work in express for $16/hr. It’s also a VERY small dealership, I should point out
@@unyen3288 I'm currently working towards a certificate for Data Analysis. So somewhere along the lines of a Data Analyst or something technical and less stress on the body. No definite answer for sure though lol
I don’t think this video gets to the core of the problem. It is pay, skill required to learn the trade the cost of owning all your own tools, and the physical toll it takes on you over time. I was a tech at Porsche about ten years ago. I was lucky to use my VA benefits to pay for school but that was 1 1/2 years and about $60k if I paid for it myself. The economy crashed and I was making pennies so the senior techs would stay happy. I left to become a technical writer and was making a solid $60k salary behind a desk. Now I make $140+ as a result of the skills I learned over the years. All to say I had growth potential in these other roles, as a technician you are limited on how much you can make no matter how hard you work.
Great video. I was a former tech for 23 years and left. Your right about entry level techs. Here in central CA a lube tech and you can look on indeed for verification. They start at 16-17 at times a dollar more. In and out burger starts at 19, Amazon starts at 19-21. A dishwasher starts at 16. Why would anyone want to be a tech. Dealerships will tear you down now. Recent a dealership in my area is now open Sundays and they are upset because half the shop techs left. I wonder why? The bad out weighs the good as a tech and more techs are leaving and dealerships still wondering why.
Thanks for letting me know your personal experience. Rough world out there when you can be at a call center or be a receptionist with no skills (in my opinion) and get paid the same as someone who purchased thousands of dollars of tools that actually has some knowledge on a subject. What did you end up going to since you left?
@@unyen3288 I work at a warehouse as a maintenance tech. I repair the conveyor belts and other mechanical equipment. It was difficult at first but like working on cars as you do it, it becomes easier. It pays a few dollars less. But I don’t have to buy tools anymore. That alone makes it worth it. Also I work Monday-Friday, weekends off. No overtime. Climate control building and more than three holidays off a year. Last, they have programs I can enroll in where I can move up with the company to higher positions within.
I left in 2008 when I was still young . I listened to all the older guys who told me the truth . I didn’t pay for a trade school because I went to a vocational HS. If you can repair a modern vehicle you can get into most trades and it will seem like a vacation and you’ll make a lot more and not beat up your body . Always do what’s best for you and your family .
We’re treated as subcontractors with all of the pitfalls and none of the benefits. We provide our own tools and have to warranty our own work for a small fraction of the profit. Yet have no control over the estimate. If you beat flate rate they cut the time. If it beats you there’s no extra compensation. It’s like playing a game designed to make you lose. And they wonder why we’re leaving.
I'm a retired aircraft mechanic, I keep my vehicles maintenance up myself, I don't work on anyone else's vehicle, unless it's a friend ...then I just troubleshoot the problem and let them do the labor as needed ...! Life is good...! My 2001 Chevy has 250k and runs & drives like new...!
I was getting £14 per hour as plant fitter (diggers, dumpers, excavators...) risking being killed every day. Can get a cleaning job at £12.50 per hour....
For all California technicians: California’s Industrial Welfare Commission (IWC) Order No. 4-2001 (9) (b) states that when tools or equipment are required by the employer or are necessary to the performance of a job, such tools and equipment shall be provided and maintained by the employer unless the employer pays twice the state’s minimum wage. Thus, according to California’s wage laws for mechanics, if your employer expects you to bring and use your own tools to complete regular work duties around the shop, you are entitled to at least double minimum wage. If your employer provides you with all of the tools necessary to perform your job and does not require you to bring your own tools, he or she is required to pay only the state’s minimum wage. Why does the double minimum wage rule exist? It exists to prevent unscrupulous employers from passing operating costs to low wage earning employees. California minimum wage is $15.50 Also you are supposed to get paid for breaks (non-productive time) every four hours you get 10 minutes plus a lunch which is all paid time.
Lol a master tech pretty much ends at 50$ flag rate lol and ur getting crap like a diag that takes u 3 hrs but only pay 1 hr or engine that takes a week because they can't find a engine it's true the industry is garbage
30 years in. My nephew wanted to be a tech. I got angry and swore him off. It's a terrible living. Provide 10,000 dollars plus of tools to make 50,000 a year so you can live in your car. DO NOT BECOME A GASOLINE MECHANIC!!!!!
I couldn’t agree more with all the things you said but I think the make or break all comes down to management and/or being physically stressed out as a flat rate technician. I’ve been a technician for 10 years now with a luxury German brand dealership. 9 years was with dealer A. Dealer B I’m currently with since I had to move out of state. But man, management is horrible here at dealer B.. in result, I feel a lot more over worked that it doesn’t make it fun at all. Not being recognized and no developmental meetings with management at all. Currently my Mindset is leaving the dealer and flat rate industry all together just to be at a place where I can utilize my skills without worrying about time or a customer. It’s just that I have to be willing to take a small pay cut but I think taking it would be worth it
Its interesting the approach each manager has to try to maintain workflow, maybe if they prioritized labor over just profits it would help with labor retention. What would be your next step in your career, or shift in career?
@@unyen3288 I’ve been thinking of applying to a fleet job. Maybe UPS. Another thing that popped up was potentially moving to Lexus as a diagnostic specialist since I enjoy diagnostic work but I think that’s just a fancy name they are using for a flat rate tech. All dealers want one thing.. production
Here in San Francisco or McDonald’s or paying $20 an hour. You’re starting entry-level pay to start $17 an hour at McDonald’s but some will overpay to get you at $20.. Why the hell would you want to be in Mechanic starting in the mechanic field when you need thousands of dollars of tools work hard it’s not worth it .?
California’s Industrial Welfare Commission (IWC) Order No. 4-2001 (9) (b) states that when tools or equipment are required by the employer or are necessary to the performance of a job, such tools and equipment shall be provided and maintained by the employer unless the employer pays twice the state’s minimum wage. Thus, according to California’s wage laws for mechanics, if your employer expects you to bring and use your own tools to complete regular work duties around the shop, you are entitled to at least double minimum wage. If your employer provides you with all of the tools necessary to perform your job and does not require you to bring your own tools, he or she is required to pay only the state’s minimum wage. Why does the double minimum wage rule exist? It exists to prevent unscrupulous employers from passing operating costs to low wage earning employees
@@coldfinger459sub0 It's the law, whether or not YOU get what the law states is a technician issue. Us as technicians complain about what's going on and choose not to do anything about the issues.
@@GL0697 actually, the state will not apprehended. They will not go after it because it’s such a weak law. I’ve already gone down that route when I was a young technician. Totally pathetic. Not enforceable will not go through at all And every technician who has tried has failed And usually end up, he was losing their jobs . Watch they don’t know it’s actually a good thing anyway Only those who believe laws on the books are enforceable and that they’re gonna help anyone. Sorry for a reality check but that’s delusional. . If California has a hands-off unwritten rule under the table on their enforcement to not push laws like these onto small businesses, they only look at deep pockets of larger businesses that they can get fines from, and generate revenue every now and then they’ll go for a big bust so they can get their name in the paper to make it look like they’re earning their tax dollars and helping the people that’s reality
@@coldfinger459sub0 Just had BAR, EDD, CADTFA, and OSHA come though my shop. There's law's out there that techs don't know about and the statutory of limitations is three years. Did you know if you're a flat-rate technician, and use a physical time clock to clock in, the company must compensate you even if you flag zero hours? THIS IS THE LAW contact the EDD and let them know what's going on.
Not even specialty and master techs with all kinds of certs make $50/hr lol. Technician pay is ALOT lower than that in case you didn't know. The level of disrespect for technicians as professionals is just un real. The constant struggle of earning an honest living on the flat rate pay system is a huge factor in why techs are leaving. It's at the point where the cost of doing business is ones mental sanity.
Tough to deal with management, and it really can make or break a job.
An electrical journeyman with a bag of screwdrivers makes more money than a technician who has to buy a lifetime of tools
I've been a mechanic for decades now. It's gotten truly terrible over the last ten years. I advise young guys to stay away the industry.
I make pretty good money only because I'm independent, have sort of a niche in the industry and charge strictly by the hour. Ignore all that book rate/flat rate bs. But even then, the business is still really beginning to suck. And if you're still bent on being in the trades, go into one with a strong union like the elevators techs or the electricians. The car dealers and manufacturers broke the mechanics' unions long ago.
You go to a doctor and they charge you regardless but you are diagnosing a car with a weird problem. That you never seen before and the customer expects you to fix the car right away. For cheap and fast
Entry level tech making $20 $25 a hour....where?
Over here in ny they starting techs at $14-$16 an hour. I wish they start off at $20-$25 an hour to be an express tech.
Out in Austin, so the cost of living is also significantly more expensive
@@unyen3288 yea I was really bummed out when they said $14 an hour. My response was hilarious I said "you know I'm applying to be a auto tech right?" He was like I know it starts at $14 an hour. I was like bro I'm already making $20 am hour working at cintas the uniform company basically doing nothing just washing clothes. You think ima give up $20 an hour for $14 am hour as a auto tech...AND I GOTTA ALSO PAY FOR TOOLS!!!! I told him sorry but taking this job would be a dumb move for me. How are people working harder and getting paid nothing. This industry FUCKING SUCKS you literally make more money working in McDonald's. Unbelievable.
@@da9ej1eg99 Hahahaha that is hilarious. Its so strange that they expect to pay the techs so little for something a lot of normal people don't want to do and does take skill and knowledge to be able to do. Maybe theres not money in this industry anymore and in 5-10 years people are going to go EV and we'll need software techs to fix them.
@@unyen3288 I mean I love working on cars but I won't ever work on cars for a living. Unless I'm homeless already.
@@da9ej1eg99 - obviously it would be silly to change jobs to for a lower salary, but the bigger question is will an auto tech salary increase enough to make the low salary worthwhile. If after five years you make over $100k salary then that seems fair to have a ridiculously low salary for the first couple years. I have no idea if experienced auto techs are making over $100k salary (plus normal benefits like vacation/sick/health insurance).
Why I left the auto trade years ago,
Heavy duty pays far more than any luxury car
Flat rate is bullshit
Dealers treat people like shit
Tools are supplied by employer
I had no idea heavy duty pays that much more. Though working on luxury vehicles we got to learn about the tech built into them and drive these insane cars we normally couldn't afford. How difficult was the transition to heavy duty though?
I currently work as a lube tech at Subaru and you literally pinpointed all the problems that I'm facing right now. I've been more stressed out than I ever was before becoming a lube tech and I hate it. All the flat rate techs say the same thing about the management and work load. Most of them literally just shit work and no hours. Even though I'm just a lube tech, my advisor's constantly pulling me off of working on oil changes JUST to fill some customers' tire with air when we have literally 4 valet drivers sitting around mindless. I get $16/hour for shit ton of work as a lube tech. Currently looking for a new job that pays the same or more with less stress on my mind and body. Smhh
Thats pretty terrible of your advisor to pull you off to do that. When working at the dealership we trained our valets to do basic tasks like filling up washer fluid and adjusting tire pressures and if they couldn't the advisors could personally take care of it. Maybe something to suggest to management?
@@unyen3288 I could suggest to management but they’re the type of people who point out all the bad things you did and couldn’t careless of all the good things you’ve done. Regardless, I’m leaving that hell hole hopefully soon, they’re always short staffed cause no one wants to work in express for $16/hr. It’s also a VERY small dealership, I should point out
@@SammWamm_ Thats fair, what do you see yourself doing?
@@unyen3288 I'm currently working towards a certificate for Data Analysis. So somewhere along the lines of a Data Analyst or something technical and less stress on the body. No definite answer for sure though lol
@@unyen3288 security guard company paying armed guard $24 to 27 dollar per hours in my areas
I don’t think this video gets to the core of the problem. It is pay, skill required to learn the trade the cost of owning all your own tools, and the physical toll it takes on you over time.
I was a tech at Porsche about ten years ago. I was lucky to use my VA benefits to pay for school but that was 1 1/2 years and about $60k if I paid for it myself. The economy crashed and I was making pennies so the senior techs would stay happy. I left to become a technical writer and was making a solid $60k salary behind a desk. Now I make $140+ as a result of the skills I learned over the years. All to say I had growth potential in these other roles, as a technician you are limited on how much you can make no matter how hard you work.
Great video. I was a former tech for 23 years and left. Your right about entry level techs. Here in central CA a lube tech and you can look on indeed for verification. They start at 16-17 at times a dollar more. In and out burger starts at 19, Amazon starts at 19-21. A dishwasher starts at 16. Why would anyone want to be a tech. Dealerships will tear you down now. Recent a dealership in my area is now open Sundays and they are upset because half the shop techs left. I wonder why? The bad out weighs the good as a tech and more techs are leaving and dealerships still wondering why.
Thanks for letting me know your personal experience. Rough world out there when you can be at a call center or be a receptionist with no skills (in my opinion) and get paid the same as someone who purchased thousands of dollars of tools that actually has some knowledge on a subject. What did you end up going to since you left?
@@unyen3288 I work at a warehouse as a maintenance tech. I repair the conveyor belts and other mechanical equipment. It was difficult at first but like working on cars as you do it, it becomes easier. It pays a few dollars less. But I don’t have to buy tools anymore. That alone makes it worth it. Also I work Monday-Friday, weekends off. No overtime. Climate control building and more than three holidays off a year. Last, they have programs I can enroll in where I can move up with the company to higher positions within.
I left in 2008 when I was still young . I listened to all the older guys who told me the truth . I didn’t pay for a trade school because I went to a vocational HS. If you can repair a modern vehicle you can get into most trades and it will seem like a vacation and you’ll make a lot more and not beat up your body . Always do what’s best for you and your family .
We’re treated as subcontractors with all of the pitfalls and none of the benefits. We provide our own tools and have to warranty our own work for a small fraction of the profit. Yet have no control over the estimate. If you beat flate rate they cut the time. If it beats you there’s no extra compensation. It’s like playing a game designed to make you lose. And they wonder why we’re leaving.
I'm a retired aircraft mechanic, I keep my vehicles maintenance up myself, I don't work on anyone else's vehicle, unless it's a friend ...then I just troubleshoot the problem and let them do the labor as needed ...! Life is good...! My 2001 Chevy has 250k and runs & drives like new...!
Did you mention the expense of all the tools and you dont get paid to study and take ASE test
I was getting £14 per hour as plant fitter (diggers, dumpers, excavators...) risking being killed every day. Can get a cleaning job at £12.50 per hour....
For all California technicians:
California’s Industrial Welfare Commission (IWC) Order No. 4-2001 (9) (b) states that when tools or equipment are required by the employer or are necessary to the performance of a job, such tools and equipment shall be provided and maintained by the employer unless the employer pays twice the state’s minimum wage.
Thus, according to California’s wage laws for mechanics, if your employer expects you to bring and use your own tools to complete regular work duties around the shop, you are entitled to at least double minimum wage. If your employer provides you with all of the tools necessary to perform your job and does not require you to bring your own tools, he or she is required to pay only the state’s minimum wage.
Why does the double minimum wage rule exist? It exists to prevent unscrupulous employers from passing operating costs to low wage earning employees. California minimum wage is $15.50
Also you are supposed to get paid for breaks (non-productive time) every four hours you get 10 minutes plus a lunch which is all paid time.
Thats good to know if I'm ever in the area
In Los Angeles…fast food workers…per LACounty minimum wage….$. 16.90
Lol a master tech pretty much ends at 50$ flag rate lol and ur getting crap like a diag that takes u 3 hrs but only pay 1 hr or engine that takes a week because they can't find a engine it's true the industry is garbage
Did your express/entry technicians also handle more involved consumables like a timing belt?
At the shop where I worked at, our cars only had timing belts, but they did do other things like front cover reseals, driveshafts on occasion
Blue collar sucks. Go to college.
I left in 1994, and don't miss it at all!
Flat rate. If you don't know what you're doing you will be exposed, fired or quit 😂. A service writer is not a mechanic!
30 years in. My nephew wanted to be a tech. I got angry and swore him off. It's a terrible living. Provide 10,000 dollars plus of tools to make 50,000 a year so you can live in your car. DO NOT BECOME A GASOLINE MECHANIC!!!!!
I don’t know about the fucking $20 an hour I get 14 an hour and I’m an entry-level tech
I couldn’t agree more with all the things you said but I think the make or break all comes down to management and/or being physically stressed out as a flat rate technician.
I’ve been a technician for 10 years now with a luxury German brand dealership. 9 years was with dealer A. Dealer B I’m currently with since I had to move out of state. But man, management is horrible here at dealer B.. in result, I feel a lot more over worked that it doesn’t make it fun at all. Not being recognized and no developmental meetings with management at all.
Currently my Mindset is leaving the dealer and flat rate industry all together just to be at a place where I can utilize my skills without worrying about time or a customer. It’s just that I have to be willing to take a small pay cut but I think taking it would be worth it
Its interesting the approach each manager has to try to maintain workflow, maybe if they prioritized labor over just profits it would help with labor retention. What would be your next step in your career, or shift in career?
@@unyen3288 I’ve been thinking of applying to a fleet job. Maybe UPS. Another thing that popped up was potentially moving to Lexus as a diagnostic specialist since I enjoy diagnostic work but I think that’s just a fancy name they are using for a flat rate tech. All dealers want one thing.. production
@@sablan02 If you can diagnose go get the money it's out here. You can't be scared to ask for it.
I'm a garage Foreman for a large utility in so cal. Im making over 200k a year. If i had to go back to dealer i would switch careers
Here in San Francisco or McDonald’s or paying $20 an hour. You’re starting entry-level pay to start $17 an hour at McDonald’s but some will overpay to get you at $20..
Why the hell would you want to be in Mechanic starting in the mechanic field when you need thousands of dollars of tools work hard it’s not worth it .?
California’s Industrial Welfare Commission (IWC) Order No. 4-2001 (9) (b) states that when tools or equipment are required by the employer or are necessary to the performance of a job, such tools and equipment shall be provided and maintained by the employer unless the employer pays twice the state’s minimum wage.
Thus, according to California’s wage laws for mechanics, if your employer expects you to bring and use your own tools to complete regular work duties around the shop, you are entitled to at least double minimum wage. If your employer provides you with all of the tools necessary to perform your job and does not require you to bring your own tools, he or she is required to pay only the state’s minimum wage.
Why does the double minimum wage rule exist? It exists to prevent unscrupulous employers from passing operating costs to low wage earning employees
@@GL0697 yes but no body fallow that. Not Enforced
@@coldfinger459sub0 It's the law, whether or not YOU get what the law states is a technician issue. Us as technicians complain about what's going on and choose not to do anything about the issues.
@@GL0697 actually, the state will not apprehended. They will not go after it because it’s such a weak law.
I’ve already gone down that route when I was a young technician. Totally pathetic.
Not enforceable will not go through at all
And every technician who has tried has failed
And usually end up, he was losing their jobs .
Watch they don’t know it’s actually a good thing anyway
Only those who believe laws on the books are enforceable and that they’re gonna help anyone. Sorry for a reality check but that’s delusional. .
If California has a hands-off unwritten rule under the table on their enforcement to not push laws like these onto small businesses, they only look at deep pockets of larger businesses that they can get fines from, and generate revenue every now and then they’ll go for a big bust so they can get their name in the paper to make it look like they’re earning their tax dollars and helping the people that’s reality
@@coldfinger459sub0 Just had BAR, EDD, CADTFA, and OSHA come though my shop. There's law's out there that techs don't know about and the statutory of limitations is three years. Did you know if you're a flat-rate technician, and use a physical time clock to clock in, the company must compensate you even if you flag zero hours? THIS IS THE LAW contact the EDD and let them know what's going on.